The Sequim Police Department reports Chase, the K-9 officer, is recovering after a recent surgery to remove a mass from his intestines.

Police Chief Bill Dickinson said Chase’s body functions have been restored however his long-term prognosis is unknown at this time.

“He is feeling much better and once again showing interest in everything and wants to be more energetic than he is supposed to be while recuperating,” Dickinson said. “He doesn’t seem to know that he is still held together with stitches and staples.”

Chase has worked with handler Sgt. Mike Hill as a tracker since 2008 and the pair have more than 100 arrests on record for the

Sequim Police Department and they’ve assisted neighboring agencies on more than 100 instances.

Since the diagnosis, Chase has been on inactive duty but prior he served as the driving force for the Sequim Dog Park agility course and in several public demonstrations.

Chase was set to retire later this year, but Dickinson said department officials concluded that due to the dog’s age and years of service, he’s been retired and will continue living with Hill.

Chase’s tenure follows former K-9 officers Huey and Titus. The Sequim K-9 unit began in 2000 and community donations have paid almost entirely for it including purchasing a dog, food and health care.

Previously, Dickinson said plans to continue the K-9 program are likely following Chase’s tenure with another officer interested in taking over for Hill.

A majority of the costs come from upfront costs of purchasing a new dog, said Deputy Chief Sheri Crain, while ongoing costs such as health care and food are manageable. Training for the handler and dog is paid for by the police department.

Donations made out to the “Sequim Police Department K-9 Program” go directly to the program and can be made by contacting the Sequim Police Department, 152 W. Cedar St., or at 683-7227.